Jordan Owens scored a hat-trick as Crusaders eased into the Irish Cup quarter-finals by beating Championship Two side Ballymoney United at Seaview.

Owens stooped low to head past goalkeeper Brian Moore on 23 minutes and Gary McCutcheon crossed for Owens to score with a volley after 35.

Owens headed across goal and into the corner of the net to complete his treble in the 74th minute.

Curtis Dempster added the fourth in the final minute of the game.

Crues boss Stephen Baxter was without several first-team regulars because of injury and suspension but his side were always too strong for the visitors, who lie eighth in the third tier of the local game.

Ballymoney did have their chances but Declan McGarry scooped an effort over the bar and Gerard Gillan saw a glancing header go wide.